L’observateur de Monaco have reported that Monaco are preparing to make a return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, with the help of the Monégasque government.
They state that Monaco’s return to Eurovision is being prepared, with 10,000 euros being put forward to “initiate the application of the Principality to the Eurovision 2023 competition.” However, at the present time, Monaco’s return remains a rumour, and we have yet to hear anything from their broadcaster, TMC, which is owned by French broadcaster TF1.
If Monaco does return to the contest in 2023, it would be the second time the micronation would be making a Eurovision return, after previously returning in 2004 after their withdrawal in 1980. Their 2023 participation would also mark a Eurovision return with the longest absence from their last participation (17 years). Previously, Malta took a break of 15 years when they withdrew in 1976 and returned in 1991, and Denmark had a 12 year break between 1966 and 1978.
Monaco in Eurovision
Monaco, the only microstate to have won Eurovision, made their debut in 1959. Their Eurovision journey didn’t get off to a great start, as Jacques Pills finished in last place with only 1 point.
Over the next 20 years, Monaco’s efforts in Eurovision greatly improved, and they achieved their first (and only) win to date in 1971 with Séverine and her song “Un banc, un arbre, un rue”. Alongside this win, they also achieved many top 10 finishes.
Monaco withdrew from Eurovision in 1980, and would not return to the contest until 2004. Their next three participations were overseen by the Principality itself, and not TMC, as was the case previously.
Between 2004 and 2006, Monaco failed to qualify from the semi finals, finishing in 19th, 24th and 21st place respectively. Their last participation saw Séverine Ferrer bringing the Tahitan language to the Eurovision stage for the first time with her song “La Coco-Dance.”
Would you like to see Monaco return to Eurovision? What is your favourite Monégasque Eurovision entry? Let us know in the comments below!
